How to Choose the Right Inkjet Cartridge for Your Printer

An inkjet printer without the right ink cartridge is useless. Choosing the right inkjet cartridge to get your printer working again is a simple task of matching numbers and letters. The original manufacturers and printing supply companies have done most of the groundwork. All you have to do is plug in the right information.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Inkjet printer

Brand New Printer?

1. Open up your printer so that you can see the print cartridges. Write down the model and product number of the old cartridge if it is the original manufacturer’s equipment.
2. Take the cartridge with you to ensure that you get the right replacement. If you can find the original packaging that the cartridge came in, bring it with you.
3. Take the cartridge model number and the make and model of your printer to an office supply store or search online. Match the make and the model numbers and letters.
4. Record the cartridge type that you need for your inkjet printer and store in a safe and convenient location.

Not Original Equipment?

5. Find a list of compatible cartridges. Possible sources include the manufacturer, the instruction manual for the printer or the printer’s software package. If you have the original printer cartridges and their packaging, even better.
6. Go online and check the printer supply vendors. Most of their Web sites feature compatibility charts between the major printer manufacturers and the re-supply company’s products.
7. Settle on the best buy for your inkjet cartridge. Write down the compatible cartridge’s make and model number and keep this information in a handy spot.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider remanufactured cartridges as a way to save money and help out the environment. A remanufactured cartridge has been professionally refurbished by replacing any worn-out components, cleaning the unit and refilling with ink.
• If you are using many cartridges, you may qualify for volume discounts. This option is probably out of reach for the home printer, but worth a look if you are purchasing supplies for a business.
• As a last resort, you can unplug your printer and bring it to a salesperson at your local office supply store.
• Use a felt-tip marker to write the proper replacement cartridge information on the side of your printer. If your printer is black or dark colored, use a metallic silver marker.
• Not all re-supply company products are the same. You’ll have to check the compatibility chart for each printer supply store to see which inkjet cartridge fits your printer.

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